Customized Atlantoaxial Fixator with Variable Cross-Section Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current atlantoaxial dislocation fixators with screws and rods are not customized for the specific needs of atlantoaxial dislocation, leading to difficulties in surgery due to rotation of cylindrical fixing rods, risk of spinal cord injury, and challenges in spondylolisthesis reduction, especially in severe dislocations.
Innovation Solution
A customized posterior atlantoaxial reduction fixator with screws and rods, featuring supporting-screws with increased nail groove height, long arm polyaxial pulling-screws, variable cross-section fixing rods with anti-rotation joints, and a bracing beam for stable connection, designed to simplify operations and enhance spondylolisthesis reduction while minimizing the risk of spinal cord injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cylindrical fixing rods are used for posterior cervical vertebra fixation, then the fixator can be universally applied to different vertebral bodies, but the fixing rods tend to rotate within the screw slots during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the fixing rod from a cylindrical symmetric shape to an asymmetric shape with a quadrangular cross-section. This asymmetric design prevents rotation within the screw slots while maintaining universal applicability through the standardized connection interface. The non-circular cross-section ensures the rod cannot rotate, solving the stability issue while preserving adaptability.
2Productivity
If the degree of bending of fixing rods is increased to improve spondylolisthesis reduction function, then the reduction capability is enhanced, but the direction of the fixing rods becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-bending the fixing rods to the required degree before surgery. The rods are manufactured with predetermined curvature that matches the patient's anatomical needs, eliminating the need for intraoperative bending adjustments. This ensures both the required reduction function and precise directional control are achieved without requiring complex intraoperative manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If repeated adjustment of the direction of the fixing rods is performed during surgery, then the rod can be properly positioned, but spinal cord injury may occur due to misoperation of auxiliary tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the fixing rods with the correct curvature and direction before surgery. The rods are manufactured with predetermined geometric parameters that match the patient's anatomy, eliminating the need for repeated intraoperative adjustments. This reduces the risk of spinal cord injury by minimizing the use of auxiliary tools and the number of manipulation steps required during surgery.
4Ease of manufacture
If general fixators for posterior cervical vertebra are used for atlantoaxial dislocation, then the fixator structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fixator does not meet the specific needs of atlantoaxial dislocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing specific components of the fixator for atlantoaxial dislocation while maintaining the overall simple structure. The fixing rods are designed with specific geometric parameters, pre-bending angles, and connection features that are optimized for the unique anatomy and requirements of atlantoaxial fixation. This allows the fixator to meet specific clinical needs without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A customized posterior atlantoaxial reduction fixator with screws and rods, including two supporting-screws, two pulling-screws, two variable cross section fixing rods, a bracing beam, two lock nuts and two pressing rod nuts. Each of the supporting-screws includes a first head and a first body, and each of the pulling-screws includes a second head and a second body; tips of both the first body and the second body are provided with a tapered thread; both the first head and the second head are provided with nail grooves inside, with U-shaped grooves on the sides; each of the a plurality of nail grooves is provided with an internal thread inside; the second head is provided with a long arm nail groove, with an annular recess configured on the middle part of an outer wall.